Category: Bankruptcy Myths
By Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
closeAuthor: Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
Name: Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
Email: danawilkinson@danawilkinsonlaw.com
Site: http://www.danawilkinsonlaw.com
About: My name is Däna (pronounced “Donna”) Wilkinson, and I’ve been a bankruptcy lawyer for 20 years. I went to law school at the University of South Carolina, worked for two bankruptcy judges, and practiced for a number of years with bankruptcy boutique firms. In fact, I’ve never practiced any other kind of law.
I’m certified as a bankruptcy specialist by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which means that I’ve taken and passed a proficiency examination on bankruptcy law, devoted my practice primarily to bankruptcy for a number of years, and have continued to take classes on bankruptcy law and related issues.
In 1998 I opened my own practice, focused on representing ordinary people who find themselves overwhelmed by debt. I enjoy the work, and I like the freedom of being my own boss. One benefit is that I can focus on the needs of my clients, and craft an approach that is based on what is important to them. I don’t have a “one size fits all” mentality about what is best for my clients. My goal is to advise my clients of the options they have to deal with their financial difficulties, and whenever possible help them make a fresh start.See Authors Posts (143) on Sep 29, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure, Benefits of Bankruptcy, Debts Not Dischargeable, Discharge of Debt, Life After Bankruptcy | 0 Comments
I’ve been posting about bankruptcy questions asked most frequently by my clients, and I’ve dealt with questions about the pre-bankruptcy process, procedural issues, and Chapter 13 issues. But almost all my clients want to know about life after bankruptcy. Once again, I cannot over-emphasize the importance of consulting your own bankruptcy lawyer because circumstances can [...]
By Andy Miofsky, Illinois Bankruptcy Attorney
closeAuthor: Andy Miofsky, Illinois Bankruptcy Attorney
Name: Andy Miofsky, Illinois Bankruptcy Attorney
Email: ndinstl@charter.net
Site: http://www.ABankruptcyLawyer.net/
About: Andy Miofsky [618/931-1313] is a consumer rights lawyer with offices in Granite City Illinois and Mount Vernon Illinois, representing debtors in bankruptcy throughout the Central and the Southern District of Illinois since 1979. He has filed suit for his clients against some of the largest banks and debt collectors in this country. He teachers consumers to fight back against debt collection violations and rewards them with settlement checks for their damages.See Authors Posts (177) on Sep 29, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths | 0 Comments
In an article placed online with Bankrate.com, Steve Bucci of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern New England lists his Top Ten Causes of Debt. Conspicuously absent is fraud, abuse, intent and extravagance.
Bucci’s list does not include scammers, tricksters, credit card abusers. No, Bucci finds debt accrues from ordinary life experiences, hardly reasons [...]
By Eugene S. Melchionne, Connecticut Bankruptcy Lawyer
closeAuthor: Eugene S. Melchionne, Connecticut Bankruptcy Lawyer
Name: Eugene S. Melchionne, Connecticut Bankruptcy Lawyer
Email: eugene.melchionne@bankruptcylawnetwork.com
Site: http://www.ctbankruptcy.com/
About: Mr. Melchionne is a graduate of The University of Connecticut (BA 1977) and Drake University School of Law (JD 1980) where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for academic excellence. Most recently, Mr. Melchionne was appointed to the Commission on Mortgage Foreclosures by Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Chase Rogers to recommend changes to procedures to protect consumers in the Connecticut Courts in foreclosure cases.
Since 1980, Mr. Melchionne has focused his practice in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, workouts and foreclosure defense in distressed real estate markets, real estate transactions, condominium law, commercial litigation, business organizations and probate. Prior to opening his office in 1990, Mr. Melchionne was the Vice President of the Waterbury Credit Bureau and was associated with Grady & Riley in Waterbury, Connecticut and DiPietro, Kantrovitz & Brownstein, P.C. in New Haven, Connecticut. From 1990-1998, Mr. Melchionne was of counsel to Bender & Anderson handling that firm's complex litigation and trials. In addition to his practice, Mr. Melchionne was an adjunct professor at the American Institute of Banking and Teikyo Post University teaching bankruptcy, real estate, commercial and consumer law. Mr. Melchionne also advised the Corporation Counsel's office for the City of Waterbury on bankruptcy and foreclosure matters and mentored junior attorneys in that office.
Mr. Melchionne was appointed State Chair for the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). He acts as liaison between the national organization and Connecticut attorneys who are members of the Association.See Authors Posts (130) on Sep 28, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, General Bankruptcy Information | 0 Comments
TOP 15 MYTHS OF BANKRUPTCY (UNLESS YOU’RE COUNTING)
1. YOU CAN’T FILE BANKRUPTCY UNDER THE NEW LAW
*FALSE – The “new” law (actually effective in 2005) put some hurdles in the way of filling for bankruptcy, but the effect is just to slow you down to give your creditors more time to pick at you before you [...]
By Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at LawcloseAuthor: Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
Name: Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
Email: danawilkinson@danawilkinsonlaw.com
Site: http://www.danawilkinsonlaw.com
About: My name is Däna (pronounced “Donna”) Wilkinson, and I’ve been a bankruptcy lawyer for 20 years. I went to law school at the University of South Carolina, worked for two bankruptcy judges, and practiced for a number of years with bankruptcy boutique firms. In fact, I’ve never practiced any other kind of law.
I’m certified as a bankruptcy specialist by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which means that I’ve taken and passed a proficiency examination on bankruptcy law, devoted my practice primarily to bankruptcy for a number of years, and have continued to take classes on bankruptcy law and related issues.
In 1998 I opened my own practice, focused on representing ordinary people who find themselves overwhelmed by debt. I enjoy the work, and I like the freedom of being my own boss. One benefit is that I can focus on the needs of my clients, and craft an approach that is based on what is important to them. I don’t have a “one size fits all” mentality about what is best for my clients. My goal is to advise my clients of the options they have to deal with their financial difficulties, and whenever possible help them make a fresh start.See Authors Posts (143) on Sep 28, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, General Bankruptcy Information | 0 Comments
Once again, I’ll try and answer some of the questions most often asked by my clients about the banrkuptcy process, continuing the procedural questions from Part Two, this time focused on Chapter 13 cases. Bear in mind, sometimes the answers depend on individual circumstances, and you should still seek the advice of experienced bankruptcy counsel [...]
By Karen Oakes, Southern Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney
closeAuthor: Karen Oakes, Southern Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney
Name: Karen Oakes, Southern Oregon Bankruptcy Attorney
Email: oakeslaw@gmail.com
Site: http://www.oakeslawoffice.com
About: Helping consumers in the following counties of Oregon: Klamath; Lake; Jackson; Josephine; Curry; Deschutes; and others. Call 541-273-1650 or visit my website to set up an initial consultation and to learn how I can help you. Mention Bankruptcy Law Network when you call.See Authors Posts (157) on Sep 27, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, General Bankruptcy Information, Marriage and Debt | 0 Comments
Your creditors are hoping that the consumer never finds out about the five facts listed in the article posted on Bankruptcy Law Network. The debt collectors may lie to you about these five facts about bankruptcy, hoping that consumers remain afraid that their employers, bosses, will find out about the bankruptcy filing or that the filing of a bankruptcy will affect a marriage or spouse. Don’t be misled, read more information on Bankruptcy Law Network.
By Craig Andresen, Attorney at Law
closeAuthor: Craig Andresen, Attorney at Law
Name: Craig Andresen, Attorney at Law
Email: craig@cwalaw.com
Site: http://www.cwalaw.com
About: Helping consumers in every county in Minnesota since 1987. Call (952) 831-1995, or visit my website, to set up an initial consultation and learn how I can help you. Mention Bankruptcy Law Network when you call.See Authors Posts (138) on Sep 24, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure, Your Bankruptcy Attorney & You | 0 Comments
If you have recently inquired about filing bankruptcy, you might have suffered a shock when your lawyer told you what paperwork you would need to produce in order to file the case. If so, read on for a pleasant surprise.
Different bankruptcy lawyers often communicate the same information to clients in different ways. Sometimes, a bankruptcy [...]
By Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at LawcloseAuthor: Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
Name: Däna Wilkinson, Attorney at Law
Email: danawilkinson@danawilkinsonlaw.com
Site: http://www.danawilkinsonlaw.com
About: My name is Däna (pronounced “Donna”) Wilkinson, and I’ve been a bankruptcy lawyer for 20 years. I went to law school at the University of South Carolina, worked for two bankruptcy judges, and practiced for a number of years with bankruptcy boutique firms. In fact, I’ve never practiced any other kind of law.
I’m certified as a bankruptcy specialist by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which means that I’ve taken and passed a proficiency examination on bankruptcy law, devoted my practice primarily to bankruptcy for a number of years, and have continued to take classes on bankruptcy law and related issues.
In 1998 I opened my own practice, focused on representing ordinary people who find themselves overwhelmed by debt. I enjoy the work, and I like the freedom of being my own boss. One benefit is that I can focus on the needs of my clients, and craft an approach that is based on what is important to them. I don’t have a “one size fits all” mentality about what is best for my clients. My goal is to advise my clients of the options they have to deal with their financial difficulties, and whenever possible help them make a fresh start.See Authors Posts (143) on Sep 24, 2009 in Bankruptcy Crimes, Bankruptcy Myths, Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure, Discharge of Debt, Exemptions In Bankruptcy, General Bankruptcy Information | 0 Comments
Most people want simple, clear, answers to a few simple questions about bankruptcy. Sometimes the answer depends on your circumstances. Most bankruptcy lawyers, however, turn the tables and ask a whole lot of questions before answering the client’s questions.
Because every case is different, it’s dangerous to generalize without some factual background. While it is no [...]
By Wayne Novick Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer
closeAuthor: Wayne Novick Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer
Name: Wayne Novick Ohio Bankruptcy Lawyer
Email: GRATEFULLAWYER@gmail.com
Site: http://www.gratefullawyer.com
About: Bankruptcy lawyer located in South Dayton.
Helping indidivuals for over 27 years.
Bringing a helpful hand to a stressful time
member of American Bankruptcy Law Forum, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers, Dayton Bar Association Bankruptcy Chariman.
married with 2 children
former soccer coach
DeadheadSee Authors Posts (19) on Sep 24, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure, Benefits of Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, General Bankruptcy Information | 0 Comments
Reaffirmation is the process used by an individual who has filed bankruptcy to keep their secured assets and continue to pay the secured debt.
Mortgage debt is a complicated area involving reaffirmation. it is important to review this in your state as property and foreclosure law varies from state to state. Here in Ohio it works [...]
By Wendell Sherk, Missouri Attorney
closeAuthor: Wendell Sherk, Missouri Attorney
Name: Wendell Sherk, Missouri Attorney
Email: wjsherk@alum.wustl.edu
Site: http://www.stlbankruptcy.com
About: I have been a bankruptcy attorney since 1989. Our firm represents consumers filing bankruptcy almost exclusively. My partner and I have each represented bankruptcy trustees as well as creditors. If you live in Eastern Missouri, visit our website, send an e-mail or give us a call (314) 781-3400. Please mention Bankruptcy Law Network.See Authors Posts (151) on Sep 24, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Featured, General Bankruptcy Information | 0 Comments
A regular question we hear from folks comes in two flavors:
Do I have to be current on my bills in order to file bankruptcy?
How far behind do I have to be to file bankruptcy?
The simple answer is that you need to be in debt to consider bankruptcy but where you are in your payment cycle [...]
By Michael G. Doan, San Diego Bankruptcy Attorney
closeAuthor: Michael G. Doan, San Diego Bankruptcy Attorney
Name: Michael Doan
Email: mike@doanlaw.com
Site: http://www.doanlaw.com
About: Helping consumers in the following counties of California: San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura. Call (800) 380-DOAN or visit my website at doanlaw.com to set up an initial consultation and to learn how I can help you. Mention Bankruptcy Law Network when you call.
San Diego Bankruptcy Attorney Michael G. Doan graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Accountancy, earning departmental honors. He then entered California Western School of Law, earning his Jurist Doctorate.
Michael is admitted to the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, as well as the San Diego County Bar Association and the North County Bar Association.
Other professional affiliations include:
National Bankruptcy Institute
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
American Bankruptcy Institute
North County Attorney Referral Service
and The San Diego County Attorney Referral Service
Michael is admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of California, all Federal Courts of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and all Federal District Courts in the Southern and Central Districts of California.
He is a skilled Bankruptcy attorney with twelve years experience practicing in the fields of real estate, bankruptcy, personal injury, estate planning, contracts, worker's compensation, and tax and debt negotiation.
He is also a licensed Mortgage Broker and Realtor with membership in the San Diego Association of Realtors and President of a full-service real estate company, First Platinum Properties.
Currently, Michael is concentrating his practice solely in Bankruptcy Law and is a Board Certified Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, one of only eight such attorneys in all of California.
To date, he has filed over 5,000 consumer bankruptcy cases. He has also has been published in both the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.
Mr. Doan also practices bankruptcy on the cutting edge, being the first attorney in the Southern District of California to file the first Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy under the new Bankruptcy Laws.
Michael G. Doan has successfully completed The American Board of Certification requirements for national certification in consumer bankruptcy law.
To become certified, Southern California Bankruptcy Attorney Micheal G. Doan satisfied the following requirements:
Full time practice of law for at least five years
Documented involvement in consumer bankruptcy by providing information on cases practiced
Demonstrated commitment to continuing legal education by earning at least 60 hours of bankruptcy education in the past three years
Passed an extensive, day-long written examination covering consumer bankruptcy issues
The American Board of Certification is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the public and improving the quality of the bankruptcy bar. The rigorous certification standards are designed to encourage bankruptcy practitioners to strive toward excellence and to recognize those attorneys who are experts in the bankruptcy field. The certification program is accredited by the American Bar Association.
The American Board of Certification is co-sponsored by the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Commercial Law League of America. The ABC Board of Directors consists of many of the nation's finest bankruptcy and creditors' rights lawyers, former judges, and law professors.
mike@doanlaw.com
2850 Pio Pico Drive, Suite D
Carlsbad, CA 92008
phone: 760.450.3333
fax: 760.720.6082
(800) 380-DOAN
www.doanlaw.comSee Authors Posts (123) on Sep 22, 2009 in Bankruptcy Myths, Bankruptcy Practice and Procedure, Benefits of Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, General Bankruptcy Information, Life After Bankruptcy | 0 Comments
More and more often these days, we are hearing about “Strategic Foreclosure Defaults” in the housing market. Such defaults occur typically when a borrower with perfect credit and ability to afford the mortgage, makes the intentional financial decision to let a home foreclose back to the lender.
Such defaults are generally triggered by massive amounts of [...]
